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Lions winger Tommy Bowe set to miss Australia Test series with hand injury

Tommy Bowe is set to miss the rest of the Lions' Australia tour after suffering a hand injury against Queensland Reds.

Last Updated: 11/06/13 10:24am

Tommy Bowe: More injury heartbreak for the Ireland winger

The Ireland winger, who was widely expected to start in the opening Test against the Wallabies, suffered a suspected broken hand during a 22-12 warm-up victory over the Reds.

Lions head coach Warren Gatland said: "It doesn't look too good with Tommy at the moment.

"It looks like he has broken a bone in his hand and probably needs an operation."

The news follows confirmation that injured props Cian Healy and Gethin Jenkins are to return home and is another miserable chapter in a bad year for Bowe, who missed the Six Nations with knee ligament damage.

Gatland is now likely to call for a replacement, with Bowe's compatriot Simon Zebo and England's Christian Wade among the obvious candidates.

He said: "We probably will - definitely - bring someone out.

"It's huge because Tommy brings experience and the ability to play left wing, right wing, centre and full-back. It's a huge loss for us."

Alex Corbisiero and Ryan Grant have already been summoned as replacements for Healy and Jenkins.

The Lions are due to play three more warm-up matches before the first of three Tests takes place in Brisbane on June 22.